Welcome
Fostering connection, growth, and care across our community.
The Warner School of Education and Human Development fosters a learning community that represents and builds on the multiple human experiences, backgrounds, histories, ideas, and ways of living. Consistent with our dedication to education, counseling, and human development that can transform lives and make the world ever better, we recruit, support, and learn with students, staff, and faculty from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds. Likewise, we seek the same through our interactions with the local and global community.
Belonging, Engagement, Support & Thriving Council
The Belonging, Engagement, Support & Thriving (BEST) Council works to foster connection, growth, and care across our community. works to advance a welcoming, supportive, and thriving environment for all members of the Warner School community.
The council:
- Serves as a liaison between the Warner School of Education and Human Development and University initiatives that promote belonging, engagement, and student success.
- Provides resources and support to foster a positive, engaging, and empowering climate.
- Facilitates understanding and informal discussions on community connection, engagement, and success.
- Offers learning opportunities that strengthen awareness and motivation to cultivate a thriving Warner community.
- Advises and supports faculty and staff on recruitment and retention practices to sustain a vibrant and engaged workforce.
- Provides consultation to committees upon request.
- Focuses on climate and culture, hiring, training, retention, policies and procedures, student recruitment, services and support, financial aid and scholarships, communications, professional development, curriculum review, targeted initiatives, and community engagement — all aimed at enhancing belonging, engagement, and success.
BEST Contact Information
Any questions about Belonging, Engagement, Support & Thriving, please contact Anika Simone Johnson at [email protected].
Conflict Management/Resolution
For conflict management, resolution and mediation concerns, including sexual harassment and grade disputes, contact the associate dean for graduate studies.
Express Concern About a Person, Incident, or Issue
“Maybe you’re having a tough time helping your friend deal with their tough time...”
Sex or Gender-Based Misconduct
Questions or concerns? Email the Title IX and Access Coordinator.
Disability Accommodations
Please contact Mary Judge Diegert at [email protected] or (585) 273-1838.
The BEST Council
Comprised of students, staff and faculty
Student Ambassadors
Marvin Herrera
Md Mamunur Rashid
Assistant Dean for Engagement and Enrichment, Warner
Anika Simone Johnson (she/her/hers)
Faculty Officer
Nahoko Kawakyu O'Connor (she/her/hers)
Staff Officer
Michael Occhino (he/him/his)
PhD Student, Graduate Assistant
Sofia Williams (she/her/hers)
Student Resources & Learning Opportunities
The University provides a range of resources, initiatives, support services, and toolkits to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all. We also offer professional learning opportunities to help faculty and staff grow in their roles and serve the community effectively.